Outlook is Everything

I woke up later than I’d like to on my day off;
At first, I was upset and I started to think about all of the things I “needed” to do before I could actually “enjoy” my free time––and then I remembered how easy it can be to release all of the pressure, and just start doing things.
My grandpa used to say, “If you want to be happy, be happy.”
Yes, it really can be that simple––if you understand that we have a choice;
I can continue to tell myself that I’ve wasted time and the day is ruined, or I can remind myself that I was able to get the sleep my body felt it needed and now I can be more present during my tasks.
Life is short, and it goes by fast––be here now, and find happiness in whatever the circumstance may be.

Happiness

My grandma used to say if you have to cross the street for happiness, you've gone to far.

Similarly, she'd remind me often that money cannot buy happiness.

I know that my grandma was a very positive person—and I trust that she honestly believed that money would not add value to the quality of her life;

Still, I can only imagine how excited she would have been to be able to afford a fancy streak house dinner from time to time.

As I continue to explore my personal happiness, I question what motivates me.

I am a performer; an artist who is used to struggling—never entirely certain where my next job will be, or how much it will pay.

Now that I'm more established, I have more opportunities and financial independence—and I must admit, it's nice to have a refrigerator stocked with food, instead of cabinets full of Top Ramen. So in that regard, money has provided happiness.

Equally, I enjoy going to movies, wearing nice clothing, and traveling—all things that require money. However, I get to pursue my passion and earn a living.

I'm not sure that I would appreciate any of the fancy-pants lifestyle choices I make, if I were forced to take a job I loathed.

Moreover, I believe that if I lost every material procession, I would still go out of my way to find happiness; however insignificant it might seem.

So my conclusion (at least in this moment) is that I appreciate the things that money can bring—but I find joy in the fact that I continue to seek peace and gratitude in the relationships and opportunities I'm blessed with.

Happiness Party of One

Everything in life worth having,
Comes with an extremely high price tag: hard work.
If we don’t invest effort in improving our inner well-being;
Connect to a higher power,
And release the idea that happiness should be “easy”;
No amount of success, fortune or fame will fill the void.
No procession, person or social status will radiate the joy that is produced through personal awareness of the present.
Happiness only takes you.

Unhappiness is an Addiction

Recognizing the moment of unhappiness is the first step toward taking action.
When we can acknowledge the pain, fear, insecurity, doubt or sadness and understand where the feeling is coming from, we are more likely to find happiness.
It requires learning how to stop the negative energy the moment we feel it; and in exchange invite a positive thought to combat it.
Only by inviting in the light can we extinguish the dark––but you have to accept that you can’t see before you admit you need to turn on the light switch.

Happiness

My grandma always used to say, “If you have to cross the street to find happiness, you’ve gone too far.”
I’d respond with a groan and remind her that I’d heard that before––she’d smile and say, just remember it.
Now that she is gone, I think about her and that saying all of the time.
I miss her laughter, the smell of her soft skin, her unconditional love, wisdom, support and guidance.
Thankfully, I hear her voice speaking in my head often; usually reminding me that happiness is within.
As I continue to work on evolving into a more enlightened person, I seek knowledge from others who have discovered their inner light.
While reading a chapter in, A New Earth, I was reminded of my grams favorite saying, and it suddenly made sense in a whole new way.
Searching for happiness is not the answer, exploring why I might be unhappy with a circumstance is more productive, and allows me to move past the obstacle there by making room for a positive reaction.
Happiness is not something you are, it is something you work toward everyday––in releasing the doubt and accepting light.

Smile

The ability to rise above the stress and remember that nothing ever comes from negative energy.

Smiling is a free drug!

Six Word Essay on 2015

Five days in, I'm gonna win!

Fresh New Year

I always love a blank page––so full of possibilities.
I regard every new year as a fresh start.  A new chapter in my book, just waiting for adventure and self-discovery.
Some years there is character development, and sometimes there's nothing but vanity and wild exploration.
Regardless, my journey continues to spark a wiser, more understanding and well-rounded hero.
I have no clue what 2015 holds in store for me, but if it's anything like the past thirty-six years, I will be utterly satisfied and overwhelmed with Faith, love, happiness and success.
I'm ready to say goodbye to ideas that no longer serve me––making space for wonderful new adventures!
#HappyNewYear

Happy New Year!

Releasing the doubt,
Possibilities reborn;
Partying all night!

Zen Puppies

I love to watch my puppies wake up;
Slow yawns, then-
Drop, roll over and wait for belly rubs.
Harnesses on, they eagerly wait by the front door.
Once we're back from their morning walk,
They twirl for cookies,
Followed by a hop, circle dance to the food bowl (they each have their own special way of eating.)
Finally, with a full belly, they run to their doggy beds in the living room:
The yorkie, Ginger, soaks up the sun, while the shih tzu, Lily, lays around watching the squirrels outside.
It's a wonderful zen moment.
#AnimailsAreNecessary

Birthday Thoughts

Getting older, yes.

Celebrating each day!

Fabulous and wise.

Better Luck Next Week... A Motivational Reminder:

I don't really believe in luck,
Mostly I just use the word as a point of reference.
I spent most of this week in a groggy, mopey, uninspired state of mind-
The kind of mental and emotional place that will get me nowhere fast!
I think we're all entitled to at least one or two moments like this a year;
But that is it.
I am a healthy, talented, hard working, intelligent and fun person,
I have absolutely no reason to let one day of my life pass without finding a happy moment!
So, release, relax and roll on!
Okay, the pep talk's over...

It's Official!

After 11 years of happiness, love, success and a lot of laughter...
It is official!!!
I didn't think I'd feel a "change" but I was wrong-
Nothing would have prepared me for how huge an impact yesterday was.
I'm so blessed to be surrounded by a loving, accepting group of friends and of course my family!
Here's to a lifetime of continued joy!

Forced Happiness

It's a goal of mine to remain happy-
Grateful for the blessing (and there are a lot of them) that I have in my life.
Nevertheless, I have those days when I wake up, and the weight of the world is on my shoulders.
Dealing with the loss of my grandma has been tough.
I know life goes on, and I've thrown myself into my job and creative projects to ease the pain-
But this morning I woke up and I just can't shake it off...
It's in these moments that I default to something I refer to as:
Force Happiness.
I'm not happy in any way,
But I lie to my self, and tell myself that if I pretend to be happy I will trick my mind into believing it.
I'm not sure that its working, but it's better than walking around in a state of depression.

It's Official!

I never thought the day would come-

Make no mistake, my love is, and always has been;

Unconditional and eternal.

It was my approach that shifted;

I grew. Evolved. Blossomed. 

I became fearless in a new way.

I awoke to the truth.

Life is short-

Celebrate the goodness and honor what you have.

Deep, passionate, inspired and full of gratitude!

Yesterday we made it official-

But it was, and always will be my greatest accomplishment. 

Don't Worry Be Happy!

I remember the song well...
I used to hear the phrase a lot growing up!  I was a natural worrier.
I've finally accepted the simple fact that being Happy takes effort.
"Happiness" is a concentrated choice to release the;
fear, self-doubt, insecurity, preconceived ideas, hate and negative energy.
Life is truly more enjoyable when I make the choice to
release negative thinking (including what others think or expect of me.)
I don't think it's delusional-
I think it's necessary to thrive in a positive environment!

BLT!

In the midst of a busy schedule, I find happiness in a B.L.T.
I know it sounds strange, but there are moments in my life when I just need a little bacon to bring an added joy to my day.
I get so caught up in work;
business calls,
the never ending email inbox,
and the non-stop efforts to stay social connected...  I need a little pick me up.
The deliciously salty, meaty, crispy crunch of pork, lettuce and tomato sends my taste buds soaring!
...it probably has the same effect on my cholesterol, but that's a worry for another day.
I'm going to ravish this B.L.T!

Insecure People

There are plenty of people on this earth that will fight very hard to extinguish your fire.
It's important to remember your worth.
Recognize that those people see something in you that terrifies them-
They see a talented, strong, intelligent person.
A person who is unafraid to stand up for their beliefs and remain committed to their convictions.
They see in you, individuality.
You cannot be swayed.
They cannot tame you.
They feel powerless.
Shine on!
Never compromise who you are to make someone else feel less threatened.
Their insecurity is not your problem.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Today my birthday celebration continues! ...and why not?

It's Cinco de Mayo! Which is basically a holiday created in honor of the fact that the Mexicans unexpectedly conquered the French at the Battle of Puebla.

I'm almost positive that no one in Mexico celebrates it, but in the grand tradition of the United States of America- we look to this day as a chance to raise a margarita and celebrate with our amigos south of the boarder!

So grab a poncho, break out the Latin music and line up the tequila shots... it's time for a fiesta!

Seriously though, I'm having such a wonderful week.

As I've mentioned many times in past entries, I never imagined what my life would be like past thirty.

I'm officially thirty-three years old and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I know how cliche it sounds, but my faith has never been stronger. Honestly, I'm in total ecstasy with the friends, family, adventures and opportunities that I have been blessed with in my life.

If my life ended tomorrow- I would go as a happy man who was fortunate enough to live a life beyond my wildest expectations.

But as long as my journey continues- I plan on blazing forward into the dark unknown with the same fearless attitude that has served me so well up to this point in my life!

On that note... I think it's time for another margarita!

Overwhelmed With Love On My Birthday!

I love a celebration.

It doesn't really matter what the occasion, I am always ready to party like a rock star.

So you can imagine how I feel today-

Today is my 33rd Birthday.

I never thought I'd be so excited about getting another year older once I turned thirty.

But recently it occurred to me:

Birthdays are like a smelly cheese or a delicious bottle of wine...

With age comes a rich flavor, bold confidence and refined restraint.

Plus, you're worth more!

This year, my birthday month (Yes, birthday month) started off on a high note!

The month began with a pre-birthday visit from two of my closest friends from New York City.

While they were here, we went to a Dodgers game, hung out at the beach and ate at every amazing restaurant under the sun!

Also during their stay, I found out that The Real Housewives of New York Season 4 Parody made the Boston Herald as the number 1 video to watch! Above the boys from the Jackass movies!

Then, I was asked to choreograph a video for The Cartoon Network featuring Lil P-Nut and Haunted by Heroes. Which was a total blast. Aside from the fact that we were shooting a throw back version of Steven Tyler and Run-D.M.C.'s "Walk This Way" circa 1986...

I was thrilled that I was able to bring my New York friends to the sound stage and share with them a slice of my life while they were in Los Angeles.

But today was the icing on my birthday cake-

I woke up this morning to an overwhelming chain of birthday wishes on Facebook.

Honestly, I couldn't believe how moved I was to wake up and see so many beautiful messages for my birthday from all of my friends old and new!

It's like my Grandma Shaffer always reminds me;

"Make new friends,

But keep the old,

New ones are silver.

Old ones are gold."

Today I feel like the most blessed man alive. I have the career I've always dreamed of.

A family who gives me unconditional love and support...

and there is no greater gift in the world, than the friendships I've made throughout my life.

To all of my friends, old and new- thank you for sharing your love and energy with me!